Paneer Butter Masala - Restaurant Style Recipe

I can eat Paneer Butter Masala almost every day, but this saturday, our cravings were at a peak-time high as there was light rain outside. Everyone knows I just love Paneer Recipes, and this weekend I decided to make the eternal favorite Paneer Butter Masala, that velvetty-smooth gravy that has all the goodness of indian spices combined with cubes of cottage cheese and garnished with cream and coriander! Now do I have your attention??! Paneer Butter Masala is similar to other paneer gravies, except that as the name implies, it is more rich due to butter and the gravy is thickened by using onions, tomatoes and cashew paste rather than just cream. You cannot go wrong with this, try it for yourself and see!

Believe me, paneer is such a versatile ingredient in Indian cooking, you could make an entire meal using just this, right from appetizers to main course to dessert! Hey maybe they should choose paneer as the next secret ingredient for Iron Chef!:) Till then, try this mouth-watering recipe (adapted from Sanjeev Kapoor's cookbook) at home and enjoy its taste as it lingers on your tongue and your senses!

Ingredients
3 big tomatoes - pureed
250 gms paneer - cubed
2 big onions
1 bay leaf
2 cloves
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp red chilli powder
3 tbsps cashewnut paste
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp dhania powder (dry coriander powder)
1/2 tsp kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)
1 tsp tandoori masala (optional for color)
2 tsp garam masala powder
salt and lemon juice - to taste
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp fresh cream
fresh coriander - chopped for garnish

Method
Skin the onions and blanch them in hot water for 3 mins, then ouree them to form a paste. Do the same with tomaotes, unless you are using tomato puree directly.

Take 1 tbsp of ghee, heat in a pan for 2 mins, the saute the paneer cubes in it till golden brown; Now take 1 cup hot water, add a pinch of salt and turmeric powder to it and immerse the paneer cubes in it for 10-12 mins. Then remove the pieces, drain them on a tissue paper and keep aside.

Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a pan, add the bay leaf and the cloves, then add the onion paste and saute till light-brown. Add ginger-garlic paste. Saute for 3 minutes. Add chilli powder, followed by the cashew paste and fry for 5 mins.

Add tomato puree, crushed kasuri methi,coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala and salt. Stir and let it simmer for some time.

Add the paneer cubes and simmer for 4-5 minutes. Add a small cup of water and let it cook on medium heat till you get the desired curry consistency. Remove from fire, stir in remaining butter and fresh cream.

Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve the Paneer Butter Masala with any bread of your choice, pulao or simply jeera rice.

More Paneer Recipes:
Savoury Muffins with Paneer and Sun-dried Tomatoes
Achari Paneer Tikka Wraps
Paneer and Ajwain Paratha
Shahi Paneer
Spicy Chilli Paneer

The First Steps Towards Luxurious yet Affordable Kitchen Designs

Lately, I guess I've been watching a lot of HGTV and design shows because I've been tingling to attempt a kitchen makeover on my own. I was not looking for a drastic makeover, but we all know that the Kitchen is one of the most important spaces in a house, especially for a woman. So it makes a lot of sense to design it so that it reflects your style and budget, at the same time looks appealing, inviting and worthy of entertaining. But contrary to popular belief, a luxurious kitchen does not necessarily mean a lot of money or major remodelling; just changing your countertops or replacing age-old appliances with some new and sleek ones will speak volumes for your space without a huge dent in your pocket. So as I was hunting for some ideas about luxury kitchen designers, here are some tips and pointers I thought would be great to share with all of you.

Defining Your Budget
Whenever you think of remodelling, it best to decide on a budget beforehand because makeovers can get really expensive; decide on a range rather than a fixed amount, and be prepared to go at least a little over your range. Be realistic when deciding -changing your counterop from tiles to granite is not the same as upgrading all appliances or changing the flooring. Consult with friends who've done this before or talk to contractors to get an idea of what and how much is involved.

Hiring Designers
A luxury kitchen is made up of several components. From appliances to cabinetry, countertops to faucets, every little detail counts. "Luxury" means selecting the products that are beautiful, durable and will stand the test of time. Here's where investing in competent kitchen designers goes a long way. When you are ready to make a substantial investment on remodelling your space, you need to make sure the designers you hire work with you in the most efficient way to realize your dream, guiding you at each step with practical suggestions and helping you design a true luxury kitchen that reflects your tastes and fits your lifestyle. Also, there are plenty of designs and themes to choose from, like country-style or the modern-eclectic kitchen, the more traditional-looking brick style or the sleek stainless-steel ones - your designers can show you several patterns and help you find what you seek; ewkitchens is a great place to look at for your designer needs. They have some helpful information on their site, alongwith planning resources and photo gallery, and they've been in this business since quite a long time. Remember, no matter how much high you think of yourself, its better to leave somethings to the experts, especially when your time and money is at stake, not to mention the emotional hooplah!

Set a Time Limit
Like any other remodelling projects, a kitchen makeover can get complex as you try to balance utility with style and keeping everyone happy; so depending on what you need to do, have a time-frame in mind. If you would work on it only on the weekends, the project could take months vs hiring a team that promises to finish it up within a week. Set your priorities and plan accordingly. make sure the makeover does not interfere with an impending vacation or a festive occasion when you'd rather be enjoying than cooking in your garage or eating out in restaurants.

Blending With The Rest of The House
One mistake that a lot of people commit is that they focus so much energy in remodelling just one space, they forget it is still a part of the entire house! If you spend $5000 on your kitchen and the rest of the house looks shabby and old, you'll feel more gloomy or frustrated at the end. Its better to plan ahead and make sure the makeover blends with the rest of the house, unless you plan to upgrade other rooms within the near future. This is where timing. planning and budget all come together.

Do It Yourself
Last, but not the least, it's possible to give a tired kitchen new life without massive renovation Small changes like painting the walls, changing cabinets, upgrading appliances can be done yourself, with some basic knowledge. Even investing in one great feature — a granite countertop, a pro-grade range, or a vintage appliance — can have a big impact. But again, DO NOT try to get carried away by emotions and start doing things yourself just because a friend of yours did it! It'll be a huge blow if you mess up something, or start with great gusto and end up losing steam in 2 days! You'll have to pay way more in clearing up your mess and starting all over again than you would've previously imagined.

There's no end to information, and if I continued more I could probably fill pages and pages, but I'll leave some of it as homework for you:) Designing a luxurious kitchen is not as hard as you'd think, but like any other major aspect of life, its best to give it some detailed thought and research before joining the bandwagon. Hope these tips help you make a successful kitchen makeover. I'm off to look for more ideas to make my kitchen more "entertainment-friendly".

Fat and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies are cherished by kids and adults alike, and the best part is that you can always use a basic cookie recipe, throw in any of your favorite ingredients into the dough and bake them into something delicious! Whether its a special occasion, a holiday celebration, or just a desire to gaze a a jar full of cookies, these tiny treats are a neat way to watch your calories without giving up your cravings! But ask 10 people what's their favorite cookie recipe and 9 out of those 10 would unsurprisingly say "Chocolate Chip Cookies"!! As a matter of fact, they seem to be my favorites too, and I've been trying to master the recipe for those perfect chocolate-chip cookies which are fat and chewy, rich and gooey, and baked to a golden-brown color. Looks like I have finally found what I sought - this is the best recipe for baking the classic chocolate chip cookies at home. Try it and see for yourself.

I opted for the traditional semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can substitute white, milk chocolate, or peanut butter chips for them in the recipe. I also threw in some raisins as I love them in my cookies. Nuts, M&M's or shredded coconut could be other nice variations.

The recipe below yields about 18-20 medium cookies

Ingredients
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, divided use
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup raisins (optional)
3/4 tspn baking soda
1/2 tspn salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tspn vanilla extract
2 large eggs

Method
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick cooking spray.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt.

In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Reduce speed to low and add the flour mixture, vanilla, and chocolate; mix until just combined.

Now cover the dough and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. This just makes it easier to handle and shape into cookies.

Take a scoop from the dough and use your palms to shape into cookies, then line them on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake until lightly browned, but still soft, about 15 minutes.

Cool slightly on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

These chocolate-chip cookies are truly decadent, fat and chewy, just as I like them. They can be stored for about a fortnight in an air-tight container.

Oranges - A Look At The Different Varieties And Their Health Benefits

Oranges, those deliciously juicy and citrusy-sweet fruits which are synonymous with Vitamin C for the body, contain much more than just that! Oranges not only add an enigmatic aroma to our foods, they also do tonnes of good to our mind and body. But back in India, anything round and orange in color was an "Orange" to me, be it small, medium or jumbo in size; but a few years in the US taught me that there are several varieties of oranges that you get all year round, and each of them has something unique to offer. If you thought till now that they are simply a great source of antioxidants, think again! Ranked as the "Numero Uno" in the family of nutrition-rich fruits like apples, bananas, grapes and pears, oranges are among the healthiest items in the produce section that provide valuable health benefits.

Juicy and sweet and renowned for its concentration of vitamin C, oranges make the perfect snack and add a special tang to many recipes. Here are some typical varieties of oranges that you come across in the market:

Blood Oranges
Small and round, they have a blushing orange-red skin with a reddish orange meat. They have an intense orange flavor, few seeds, and are in season December through July.

Mandarins
Small and juicy, mandarins are mild in flavor and typically sweet. They have a smooth, light orange skin, and are available October through March.

Navel oranges
A little larger and shaped from round to oval, these oranges have a darker-colored skin; they are very juicy, sweet and seedless. You'll find them in season November through June

Tangerines
Most of us know these types; they are small with a textured, pumpkin-orange skin. Generally sweet, and with many seeds, they are available November through March

And now a look at some of the important health benefits that have been attributed to Oranges. This data has mainly been compiled from here and here. Oranges contain only 80 fat-free calories and loads of energizing carbohydrates that fuel energy levels.

Healing Properties
In recent research studies, the healing properties of oranges have been associated with a wide variety of phytonutrient compounds. These phytonutrients include several citrus flavanones, but the one that stands out the most is the herperidin molecule; Herperidin has been shown to lower high blood pressure as well as cholesterol in animal studies, and to have strong anti-inflammatory properties. But it should be known that most of this phytonutrient is found in the peel and inner white pulp of the orange, rather than in its liquid orange center, so drinking orange juice may not provide you with this beneficial compound.

Increasing Immunity (Vitamin-C)
We already know that oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C; a single orange supplies 116.2% of the daily value for vitamin C, which is the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body, disarming free radicals and preventing damage to the body cells. A good intake of vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer, inflammation, osteoarthritis, infections, common cold and asthma.

Lower Bad Cholesterol
A study by U.S. and Canadian researchers that was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry stated that a class of compounds found in citrus fruit peels called polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs), as well as water-soluble fiber called pectin have the potential to lower cholesterol more effectively than some prescription drugs, and without side effects. By reducing the free radicals in the body, Oranges prevent prevent the oxidation and build-up of bad cholesterol.

Preventing Cancers and Cardiovascular Diseases
A diet rich in citrus fruits offers protection against cardiovascular disease due to compounds like folate, which is necessary for lowering levels of the cardiovascular risk factor(haemocysteine); potassium, which helps lower blood pressure, protecting against stroke and cardiac arrhythmias; and Vitamin C, carotenoids and flavonoids found in citrus fruits, all of which have been identified as having protective cardiovascular effects. The polyphenols found in oranges have been shown to have a wide range of antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and anti-carcinogenic effects; they prevent stomach ulcers and even kidney-stones.

Selecting and Storing Oranges
Organic or not, oranges don't have to be a bright orange color to be good. Avoid those that have soft spots or traces of mold. And because oranges are among the top 20 foods in which pesticide residues are most frequently found, buy organic oranges whenever possible. Go for those that have smoothly textured skin and are firm and heavy for their size. These will have a higher juice content than those that are either spongy or lighter in weight. In general, the smaller the oranges, the juicier they will be.

Oranges can either be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about two weeks without losing their vitamin content. Do not cover them as any exposure to moisture can make them rancid and stale. Fresh orange juice can be stored in ice cube trays until frozen, and then in plastic bags in the freezer. Dried orange zest should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight glass container.

Pear and Almond Yogurt Cake (Low-Fat Snack Cake)

How does a low-fat pear & yogurt cake sound for today? As we herald spring in California, seasonal fruits and vegetables can be seen in all their glory, and a trip to the farmer's market can turn out to be a visually delectable experience! This weekend I decided to bake a delicious and Healthy Pear Cake. Belonging to the apple family, pears are packed with a lot of health benefits. It has antioxidants that protects our body from free radicals, promote cardiovascular health, and are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, copper, and vitamin K. And best of all, these fibrous fruits are a great way to naturally sweeten your cakes and muffins as well as provide them with shape and texture. I combined my pears with almonds and whole-wheat flour to make an almost fat-free and healthy yogurt cake/muffin that can be used as a snack any time of the day!

I did not use any butter in this recipe. The all-purpose flour was substituted by the whole-grain one; the recipe uses only 1 egg and some oil; the yogurt provides texture to the cake, but as there is no butter, this cake will not be as soft and moist as the others. If you are not looking for a healthy version, feel free to modify the ingredients to use 3/4 cup butter instead of yogurt and add 2 eggs instead of one with all-purpose flour.

Ingredients
1-3/4 cups whole-grain pastry flour
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup fat-free plain yogurt
1-1/2 tspn baking powder
1/2 tspn baking soda
3/4 tspn ground nutmeg (optional)
1/2 tspn salt
1 large egg
3 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tspn vanilla extract
2 ripe medium pears -peeled and cut into 1/2" chunks
2-3 tbsp slivered almonds

Method
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9" x 9" baking pan with cooking spray. Instead, you can also use individual ramekins like I did.

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk the sugar, egg, and oil until smooth. Whisk in the yogurt and the vanilla essence. Finally, stir in the cubed pears.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until blended. Scrape into the prepared pan or the ramekins. Sprinkle the slivered almonds on the top.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes (about 25 mins if you are using the ramekins), until the cake is springy to the touch, shrinks from the sides and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This cake will not be too dark on the top, so if you like the color, change oven setiting to BROIL and bake for another 40 seconds, not more. Let cool for 20-30 minutes on a wire rack, then slice and serve!

Tip: Roasting the almonds a little can add more flavor to the cake. If your pears are not too sweet, increase the sugar in the recipe as this recipe tends to be a little less sweet compared to others.

This light and low-fat pear and almond cake can be relished for breakfast or snack any other time of the day without feeling guilty. The pears make it soft while the almonds add a crunch to each bite.

Related Recipes:
Low-Fat Blueberry Muffins
Healthy Cranberry-Pistachio Biscotti
Eggless Cranberry-Walnut Scones

Tantra Indian Restaurant - Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, the city of the Hollywood stars, with all the glimmer and glitter, has several inviting areas that attract huge crowds every night, Silverlake downtown being one of them. Sunset Boulevard is definitely one of the most picturesque and upscale streets in Los Angeles, housing quite a few famous restaurants and night-clubs, one such gem being the Tantra Indian Restaurant. One visit is enough to prove that the owner Navraj Singh has spared no expense in creating this masterpiece of a restaurant cum nightclub. Tantra is one of L.A.'s current "in" destinations, both for its ambience and the fine cuisine. We were so mesmerized with our visit I wish I could drive to LA every weekend to dine here!

As you enter through the massive copper doors, you will find yourself surrounded by a decor that takes its cues from the spices of Indian cooking. Rich saffron-colored walls invite you to lose yourself in the sensory experience that awaits, as iron-and-silk light fixtures, curtains of oxidized metals, murals of gender-fused beings, and black-and-white Bollywood movies shown on a giant plasma screen lend an unorthodox feel to the place. A beautiful portrait of an Indian mythological figure hangs above the hostess station, welcoming you with a huge smile. To the right is a cocktail lounge, with long banquets covered in gorgeous sari material, and a beautiful bar that serves specialty drinks such as Tears of Ganesha, Tiger’s Milk and Shiva's Revenge as the DJ keeps the hip mood alive. To the left is the dining area, and to reach this you have to cross a narrow pool strewn with orchid blossoms and floating candles!! Yes, an actual indoor pool, which jus makes the atmosphere even more mysterious and romantic!

Moving onto food, I think the chef Sanjay Kumar has created a truly eclectic fusion menu that has its roots in indian cooking yet offers a contemporary dining experience. The entrees range from $11 to $16, and span across a range of typical and atypical flavors; from chicken to catfish, lamb to salmon and shrimp, and bhindi and eggplant to potatoes and paneer, there's something to appease everyone in the group. All the food is very delicately spiced, with one particular flavor dominating the dish; the chef offers some unique pairings like cardamom with homey mustard and dill, or coconut with cumin, ajwain and mint to name a few. The rich and creamy curries have the aroma of freshly-ground spices, and taste great with the choice of breads and naan. They also have a nice drinks menu to compliment your meal. The dessert offers decent choices; we really liked the Chocolate Crepes and the Tandoori Ananas (grilled pineapples)

The waiting staff is knowledgeable and professional, courteous and efficient. The owner himself is always present to preside over the dining experience. Due to its location and popularity, its advisable to make reservations in advance. The place offers valet parking as well as catering services and banquet facilities. Overall, Tantra offers a wonderful value for your money. It's trendy and stylish, yet brings you in touch with indian decor, and if you are lucky, you may even spot a celebrity enjoying themselves on Sunset Blvd!! Tantra Indian restaurant is definitely on my highly-recommended restaurants in Los Angeles list. Try it and see for yourself!

Update: Chef Sanjay is no longer with Tantra, and the management seems to have changed too; the food is not as great as it used to be, but is still decent to label Tantra as a nice restaurant to try in the vicinity!



Address:
3705 W Sunset Blvd (Silver Lake downtown)
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Tantra Indian Restaurant

More Los Angeles Restaurant Reviews

Vegetable and Cheese Parathas (Stuffed Flatbread)

Parathas have been a traditional Indian breakfast in many north and west-indian households for as long as I can remember, and the versatility of the recipes is what makes it so attractive. Not to mention that they are healthy and filling at the same time. "Stuffed Parathas" are basically nothing but "Stuffed Flatbreads", filled with your choice of boiled and mashed veggies, rolled into a disc and cooked on a "tava" (cast-iron pan), greased with oil or ghee on both sides. Aloo or Paneer parathas are eternal favorites, but I was looking for something more nutritious, so I decided to make these Vegetable and Cheese Parathas, which are stuffed with a lot of mixed veggies and cheese; delicately flavored with indian spices, these parathas serve to be a perfect meal anytime of the day. What's more, you can even cook them and store them for a couple of days so you just need to reheat them before serving!

Ingredients
3 cups wheat flour (chapati atta)
1/4 cup cheddar or ricota cheese - crumbled or shredded
1/2 cup green peas
2 cup cauliflower florets
2 medium-sized potatoes (or 1 large)
1/4 cup onions - chopped finely
1/2 cup coriander - chopped
2 green chillies - chopped
1 tbsp jeera (cumin seeds)
2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp garam masala (optional for flavor)
salt and lemon juice- to taste
2 tbsp oil
1 to 1 1/2 cup water (approximately) - to knead dough
extra oil or ghee for sauteing the parathas

Method
Knead the dough with water Take the flour and add 2 tbsp oil. Mix well, then keep adding a little water at a time to knead the dough, just as you would for a regular paratha or bread. The emphasis here is to keep the dough soft but not too sticky, leaning more towards tough than soft, say a little harder than cookie dough. Cover and keep it aside for 15-20 mins.

Boil all the vegetables (except onions, green chillies and coriander) together in a pressure cooker or microwave. Take a frying pan, add 2 tsp oil to it, add the cumin seeds, green chillies and ginger-garlic paste, then saute the chopped onions until light pink and cooked. Add all the spices and the boiled vegetables to this and cook for another 2-3mins.

Remove from flame, then mash everything together with your hand or use a masher as it might be hot. Finally add the cheese and chopped coriander to the mixture and again mix everything well till it becomes soft and maleable, without any hard lumps. Now divide it into equal portions to use as filling for the parathas.

Take a small part of the dough. Roll it out into a small circle, then put the filling mixture in the center. Roll over the dough edges over the filling to cover it completely and make into a ball. Then flatten it between your palms, roll in plain flour and use a rolling pin to gently shape it into a thick round paratha. Remember to apply gentle pressure else the paratha would break and the filling would pop out. (Don't worry, its not as hard as it sounds!)

Put a griddle over medium heat and cook the parathas on both sides over the griddle. Apply light oil or butter on each side while on the griddle to make it puffy and soft. Cook till you see small brown spots appear on both sides and the outer layer looks evenly cooked (as shown in the picture)

Once these are a little cool, you can wrap them in an aluminium foil and refrigerate them for a couple of days. Alternately, you can also freeze them and preserve for at least a week. But there's nothing like enjoying fresh hot parathas straight off the griddle with a cup of coffee or tea. You can even serve these delicious Cheese Parathas with any curry for lunch or dinner!

Similar Recipes:
Paneer Parathas
Makkai (Sweet-Corn) Parathas